10 Ways To Pay For CDL Training: Programs, Grants, Paid Training

One of the big stumbling blocks for becoming a truck driving is deciding how to pay for CDL training.

First the bad news.

In some instances the cost of CDL training can be prohibitively expensive.

But the good news is there’s more than just a few ways to not only pay for truck driver training. But in some cases, you can get the whole deal paid for!

There are plenty of options that don’t require taking on exorbitant debt or a big outlay of cash.

Here we’re talking about:

• Federal and state CDL grants
• Personal loans
• Scholarships
• Company sponsored CDL training with pay

Keep in mind that not everyone will qualify for every program.

But researching every option before making a decision, is a great way to evaluate which is best for your particular situation.

Thankfully, we’re here to help you find the best deal possible.

Let’s jump in.

THE BEST OPTION – COMPANY SPONSORED CDL TRAINING / PAID CDL TRAINING

Far and away, the best way to get your CDL without going into debt or draining your savings is by attending a company sponsored CDL training school.

Find out the real deal about company sponsored truck driver training.

Company sponsored CDL training facilities differ from private ones, in that they’re run by trucking companies as opposed to companies that operate schools only.

Remember, private schools are for-profit businesses, and high cost doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get quality training.

Though you will have to fulfill a contractual obligation after getting your CDL (usually 1 year of employment or 100,000 miles of safe driving), many company-sponsored CDL schools pay you while you’re training, and most have few out-of-pocket costs.

For cost-conscious workers embarking on a new career, they’re great options because most guarantee students a job after graduation, which means you won’t have the added stress of finding a truck driving job on your own.

REMEMBER. Company sponsored CDL training schools will get their pound of flesh from you. Don’t forget that. They aren’t about to give you $7000 or so worth of training for nothing.

More Paid Training School Options

These are a few of the large carriers that operate paid CDL training schools include:

Related > Company Sponsored CDL Training – The Honest Answers You’ve Been Looking For

PELL GRANTS FOR CDL TRAINING

Unlike traditional loans that require repayment, Pell Grants don’t.

Instead, they provide federally subsidized assistance to students who:

• Have limited financial resources
• Haven’t earned a bachelor’s degree
• Plan on attending training at a participating institution  

It’s important to note that Pell Grants aren’t just available to traditional college students, but to those who’ll be attending career schools (like CDL schools) as well.

For an overview of how Pell Grants work, who qualifies, and how to fill out the application, check out:

•  Federal Student Aid You Tube video
•  studentaid.gov

If you plan on attending a private CDL training school and paying with a Pell Grant, their representatives may be able to guide you through the process. So be sure to ask them about this program.

Related > What You Need to Know About CDL Trucking School Cost

MILITARY GRANTS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Many trucking companies, schools and financial institutions offer grants and assistance to ex-servicemen and women.

Though finding suitable programs, establishing eligibility and navigating the application process aren’t easy, for those who do, the rewards can be well worth it.

To get up to speed quickly, check out Job and Training Resources for Veterans.

It’s not so well-known, but those who operated commercial vehicles while in the service may be able take advantage of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Military Skills Test Waiver Program, which allows some applicants to forego a number of the requirements for obtaining a CDL.

You can download an application here.

WORKFORCE INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA)

Both the federal and state governments offer a number of workforce retraining programs for those who’ve lost their jobs due to:

• Lay offs
• Business bankruptcies
• Natural disasters like hurricanes

According to the U.S. Department of Labor –

The Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) is groundbreaking legislation designed to:

• Help Americans (including young adults and those with barriers to employment) get placed in secure jobs and careers

• Aid employers in hiring and retaining skilled workers

A number of state agencies across the country partner with the Department of Labor to administer these programs, and most include approved truck driver training schools.

On the downside, the paperwork and approval processes can be confusing and varies from state to state.

Related > A Quick Guide to Choosing a Truck Driving School

ADULT AND DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAM

As part of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, the Adult and Dislocated Worker Program provides employment and job training assistance to eligible workers, and help employers find skilled employees like truck drivers.

In order to qualify for the program, applicants must be:

• 18 years of age or older
• A dislocated worker

For more information on eligibility requirements and state access points:

• Check out the American Job Center website
• Call 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627)

To learn about training opportunities in your area click here.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TRUCK DRIVER TRAINING

Scholarships are another potential source of funding that often get overlooked.

Like Pell Grants, truck driving students applying for scholarships will need to meet certain requirements, but they’re typically offered to:

• Veterans
• First responders
• People with disabilities
• Applicants from low income families
• Residents of particular geographic areas (like inner cities)
• Members of trade associations and their family members
• Women

Scholarships may cover lodging, meals, and all or some portion of truck driver training tuition, so read the fine print carefully and know the repayment terms in case you don’t complete the course.

The Women in Trucking Foundation accepts scholarship applications twice per year, and is a good resource for women looking to get into the industry.

Likewise, Swift Transportation offers CDL training to veterans and first responders that may significantly reduce tuition costs. 

FELON RETRAINING PROGRAMS (In Some States)

If you’re considering a new career in trucking but have a felony in your past you’ll want to take extra time vetting each potential CDL school.  

In some cases, those with certain convictions won’t be able to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

This is true for those who’ve committed offenses like:

• Using a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony (no surprise there)
• Smuggling
• Arson
• Extortion
• Assault with intent to murder

But be warned, the internet is full of websites purporting to help felons get their CDLs, though many aren’t what they claim to be.

Some state agencies, like Michigan’s 2-1-1 Program connects ex-offenders with vital post-release services like:

• Job placement and training
• Temporary housing
• Obtaining important records and identification

Though it’s not always the case, felons accepted to a truck driving school will generally have the same payment options as students with clean backgrounds.

Check out this article for more information on how criminal convictions may limit your eligibility for federal student aid.

Related > A Guide to Trucking Companies That Hire Felons

TRANSIENT WORKER PROGRAMS

Especially in largely agricultural states with significant populations of seasonal and migrant workers, there may be additional options for those looking to retrain for a new career.

In Texas for example, there’s a program called Migrant Educational Training (MET) that’s available to:

• Low income adults
• Those who’ve worked for at least 3 months in some form of migrant job (like farming or in a packing house)

MET focuses on retraining in areas like:

• Obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Refrigeration and AC repair
• Culinary arts and foodservice

PAYING CASH FOR CDL TRAINING

These days the cost of private CDL training schools can be as much as $7,000, and in some cases even more.

For most of us, coming up with that kind of cash just isn’t an option.

Especially now when the economy isn’t particularly robust due to the Covid-19 pandemic, entering the industry as an inexperienced driver may mean:

• Few job opportunities
• Minimal income in the short term

As we’ve already mentioned, attending a company sponsored CDL training program is almost always a better bet than private school.

But if you’ve got a nest egg tucked away and paid CDL training isn’t an option, paying cash is a great way to avoid the debt trap that so many new drivers fall into.

LINES OF CREDIT OR PERSONAL BANK LOANS

Bank loans and lines of credit are options worth considering for those with minimal cash.

Though they can be fast and convenient alternatives to Pell Grants and other Federal Student Aid programs, they typically have higher (and sometimes variable) interest rates, and applicants usually need to have decent credit to get them.

And remember Pell Grants aren’t loans, which means in most cases they don’t need to be repaid.  

But be wary of CDL school financial aid.

By taking personal loan from a company recommended by a private CDL school, you’ll probably pay much higher fees, and the school may get a kickback.

THERE IS A WAY

I highly recommend checking out every possibility to see if there are programs or funding for which you qualify.

You could save yourself many thousands of dollars.

Yes,there’s always the option of paid CDL training, but do take the time to pick the best company sponsored school to meet your needs!

F.A.Q.’S